SANDPOINT — With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore:

‘Twas a few days after New Year's, and all through the town,

Not a child was unhappy, un-merry or down

The donations were counted, safe and secure

Thanks to a community that cares beyond words.

The Lions were gathered all safe in their den

While visions of toy stores beckoned again

Volunteers in their mittens, scarves and their boots

Were ready to help with the best Christmas pursuit.

Outside it was snowing, inside it was warm

Cheering and laughter were all quite the norm

As away to the stores, the Lions they dashed

To snap up Christmas gifts in more than a flash.

As they drove back from the store, presents in tow

The weatherman promises a hint of new snow

Back at the den, the presents were tallied

As once again the community had rallied.

There were enough gifts, the toy store was packed

With all kinds of gifts, now that’s just a fact

And thanks to the food bank, treats were on hand

for the best Christmas dinner in all of the land.

Now, Lions! Now, people! Now, volunteers all!

Oh coin jars, oh businesses, thanks one and all

It’s all thanks to you that Jane has a STEM toy,

That Johnny has the gadget he’s wanted all fall!

As the campaign winds down after another great year

It’s time to let out one big hearty cheer

To all those who donated, helped and made sure

A merry Christmas is had by all, you can be assured.

For the Lions, making local youngsters' Christmas dreams come true is the "why" behind the hard work and dedication that goes into the club's annual Toys for Tots drive.

But to make that happen, they need the community's help. With just a day or two remaining, the Lions' Toys for Tots campaign has raised $59,928.67 of its $75,000 goal — the amount needed to ensure every child in the community has a merry Christmas.

Today's generous donations of $300 come from Ray and Dee Kosse, $200; and Edward Bittner, $100.

The Lions want to make sure every child in the community has a merry Christmas — each and every year. While Christmas has passed, the Lions are still working to hit their goal to ensure a merry Christmas in 2026. (Much of the funds raised each year go toward the coming year to help the Lions make the most of each dollar donated.)

To help the Lions attempt to meet their $75,000 goal, the Toys for Tots drive is continuing through Jan. 4.

Won’t you join them in making a donation — it doesn’t matter how big or how small — and help the Sandpoint Lions Club reach its goal for Toys for Tots?

Donations can be made at a variety of local businesses, listed below and including the Daily Bee at 310 Church St., Sandpoint, or online at bit.ly/LionsToysForTots.

Each year, the Lions team up with local businesses and residents through Toys for Tots to ensure everyone has a merry Christmas.

Funds raised go toward purchasing new toys for area children — or gift cards for older youth — who live in the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

Every Christmas, the Lions help almost 1,000 area children, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points in between.

Donations may be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, P.O. Box 414, Sandpoint, ID 83864, or dropped into any coin jar around town. Donations should include a note that it is for Toys for Tots and, if you wish to remain anonymous, please mention that in your note.

Donations made by check are preferred. Be sure to include a note with your check indicating that it is a Toys for Tots donation. If you wish to make an anonymous donation, please include a note.

If the donation is being made in someone’s name, be sure to also include a note.

Each day during the drive, donors’ names will be published along with the amount of their donations. A running total will be included to help the community know where the Toys for Tots campaign stands.

If you can, please consider donating. Every penny, every dollar adds up, and if we all pitch in, we can make this, once again, a successful Toys for Tots campaign. Additional donations help the Lions buy ahead and make the most of the community’s generous support.

In Sandpoint, toys and donations can be dropped off at the Bonner County Daily Bee, Mr. Sub, Columbia Bank, Connie’s Cafe, Serv-A-Burger, Mountain West Bank, Pivo Peaks Alehouse, Sandpoint Family Medicine and Urgent Care, and the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

In Sagle, toys and donations can be dropped off at Buckin’ Beans and Encoder Products (in the front lobby, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

In Ponderay, toys and donations can be dropped off at Alpenglow Salon, Walmart, North 40, Columbia Bank, Arnie’s, Better Together Animal Shelter, Community Resource EnVision Center, Litehouse, Elite Tire, Vinnie Todd’s Barbershop, Hoot Owl, Papa Murphy’s and Mountain West Bank.

Information: Sandpoint Lions Club, 208-263-4118, [email protected] or bit.ly/SandpointLions